Medieval iron bound elm chest

Price on request

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Object Description

Medieval elm chest, of boarded construction with the elm being 2 1/2″ thick throughout, and iron bound with three locks. The top hung with five large wrought iron hinges and heavily iron bound with a central wrought iron ring handle and iron plated money slot. The inside having a central box section with hinged lid and lock with an iron money slot.

Object History

Provenance: In a Parisian collection for the last 50 years

Object Literature

Chests were among the most important and prevalent forms of medieval furniture, with many still extant in parish churches today. Originally, they provided secure containers in which to store vestments and the sacraments, collecting alms for the poor, or funds for crusades. Frequently made from oak or elm, sometimes pine, poplar or deal, they were constructed as heavy, immovable objects intended to keep their contents dry and secure from thieves and vermin. Wealthy households often used church chests as safe depositories for their valuables, believing the sanctity of the church would provide protection against theft. Rachel Sycamore

Object Condition

Good

Object Details

Dealer Opening Times

By appointment only.

Dealer Contact

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0044(0)7779038891
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+44 (0)7779 038 891
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Dealer Location

Bovey Tracey

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